Blushing bride Vicky Sample hopes to be blessed with fertility after she chased Morris men across Saddleworth for a lucky kiss.

The 33-year-old, who married her sweetheart Richard Sample, on Saturday jumped at the chance to take part in ancient tradition.

After the service at St Chad’s the newlyweds hopped into a vintage Morris Minor to catch up with the rushcart in neighbouring Dobcross.

Once there, Vicky scaled the 14 ft high tower to lock lips with jockey Adam Walker who was sat on the top.

The tradition is said to bring luck to the marriage and increase the bride’s fertility.

Vicky, a 33-year-old nurse, said: “We realised quite soon after booking the wedding that it was Rushcart weekend and with us living locally we didn’t want to miss the opportunity of being part of the tradition.

“Climbing the ladder up to the jockey was all part of the fun and I had a little help from the Morris men who were making sure that I wouldn’t fall.

“They were all so lovely and accommodating and we’ve got some pretty unique wedding pictures.

“The Morris men embrace it all so much and it really did make my day.”